WllVfcKSITY  OF  CALIFOKNU. 

LIBRARY 

bra*:h  OF  THE 

COLLEGE  OF  A6RIC 

Y 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA. 

AGRICULTURAL  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

BERKELEY,  CAL. 
E.  W.  HILGARD,  Director.  BULLETIN  No.  112 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    SEEDS    AND    PLANTS. 


By  E.  .).  Wickson,  Associate  Professor  of  Agriculture. 

The  branch  of  the  station  work  which  deals  with  the  introduction  and 
acclimation  of  economic  plants  made  notable  advancement  in  public  favor 
during  the  year  now  closing.  The  wide  recognition  of  the  importance  of 
the  demonstration,  attained  at  our  Tulare  Station,  of  the  success  of  the 
Australian  Salt  Bush  {Atriplex  semibaccatum)  on  strongly  alkaline  soils 
was  highly  gratifying  and  was  likewise  a  considerable  tax  upon  our  time 
and  material.  Similar  experience  was  had  with  the  tobaccos  and,  in  a 
less  degree,  with  some  of  the  other  growths  offered  last  year.  When  it 
is  remembered  that  we  do  not  conduct  a  free  distribution  and  that,  be- 
sides paying  the  cost  of  what  he  receives,  each  applicant  specifically  as- 
sumes the  obligation  to  report  the  results  of  his  seed  or  plant  trial,  the 
advance  in  popularity  which  the  figures  indicate  is  notable: 
rear.  No.  Applicants.        No.  Postofflces.        No.  Counties. 

1893-4 410  329  48 

1894-5 925  382  53 

1895-6 1,504  486  54 

This  increased  demand  clearly  shows  that  our  plan  of  distributing  to 
volunteer  experimenters  plants  or  seeds  of  those  growths  which  seem 
most  promising  after  trial  upon  the  grounds  of  our  own  stations,  com- 
mends itself  more  and  more  each  year  to  the  people  of  the  State. 

AIMS    AND    METHODS    OF    DISTRIBUTION. 

To  reduce  as  much  as  practicable  the  vast  amount  of  correspondence 
which  is  entailed  upon  the  station  by  the  distribution,  we  desire  that  the 
following  points  should  be  carefully  considered  by  all  applicants: 

First—  Do  not  apply  for  seeds  or  plants  unless  you  will  report  results  of  trial  from 
time  to  time,  until  the  success  or  failure  of  each  growth  is  demonstrated. 

.Second— Do  not  apply  for  things  not  mentioned  in  this  bulletin.  We  cannot  usu- 
ally supply  things  previously  offered  for  distribution.  Do  not  apply  for  common  gar- 
den seeds,  fruit  trees,  or  ornamentals,  which  can  be  purchased  at  seed  stores  or  nur- 
series.    We  cannot  supply  them. 

Third—  Do  not  make  a  general  request  "for  anything  which  will  do  in  this  lo- 
cality. "    Apply  specifically  for  what  interests  you.  or  may  prove  of  value  to  you. 
/*'   .Fourth — We  cannot  undertake  distribution  to  citizens  of  other  States,  except  in 
exchange  for  something  which  we  desire  for  trial.  

Fifth— We  require  the  applicant  to  pay  a  small  amount  for  each  thing  received, 
partly  to  bear  the  cost  of  distribution,  but  chiefly  as  a  guaranty  that  he  has  not 
merely  an  idle  desire  for  what  can  be  had  for  nothing,  but  intends  to  make  trial  for  a 
definite  end  and  will  report  results  to  us. 

Terms. — For  the  reasons  above  stated,  applicants  are  requested  to 
send  the  amount  specified  in  connection  with  each  description  below  to 
meet  the  expenses  of  packing  and  postage.  If  they  desire  seeds  sent  by 
express,  applicants  need  not  send  the  amounts  specified  for  postage,  but 
all  order*  for  seeds  by  express  must  be  accompanied  by  a  remittance  of 
one-third  of  the  amount  specified,  to  pay  for   packing.     Express  charges 


are  paid  by  the  recipient.  Applications  may  be  made  for  one  or  more 
kinds  of  seeds,  but  an  applicant  should  not  order  more  than  one  package  of  a 
kind.  If  the  supply  of  any  kind  of  seed  becomes  exhausted  the  money 
will  be  returned,  unless  a  second  choice  is  mentioned  by  the  sender.  Pos- 
tal notes  are  requested  instead  of  stamps,  whenever  practicable.  Any 
surplus  left  after  filling  orders  will,  as  far  as  possible,  be  returned  to  the 
senders,  deducting  letter  postage. 

SELECTED    RESISTANT    VINES. 

It  has  been  known  for  years  that  American  wild  vines  are  charac- 
terized by  very  marked  differences  in  degrees  of  resistance  to  phylloxera, 
and  especially  in  adaptability  to  soils.  More  recent  investigatioo  has 
shown  that  not  only  species  differ  in  this  respect,  but  varieties  of  the 
same  species  show  widely  different  characteristics.  For  example,  the 
French  investigators,  after  having  determined  the  best  species  for  dif- 
ferent soils  and  situations,  proceeded  to  make  close  observation  upon 
individual  plants  of  the  species,  and  in  due  time  perceived  varietal  differ- 
ences in  plants  of  the  same  species,  and  selected  those  with  most  promis- 
ing variations  for  further  trial.  As  a  result  of  this  process  of  selection 
they  secured  varieties  which  are  far  above  the  average  of  the  species  in 
vigor  of  growth  and  development,  degree  of  resistance  and  general 
suitability  for  resistant  root  purposes.  Of  the  few  varieties  which  have 
thus  demonstrated  particular  excellence  in  France  we  have  obtained 
stock  of  four  varieties  which  promise  best  under  California  condi- 
tions, viz  : 

(1.)  For  dry  soils — that  is,  soils  likely  to  become  somewhat  dry  in 
summer — the  Rupestris  "St.  George." 

(2.)  For  deep,  moist  and  tolerably  rich  soils,  Riparia  "  Gloire  de 
Montpellier,"    "  Grande  Glabre  "  and    "  Martin. " 

We  desire  applicants  for  these  vines  to  consider  carefully  the  nature 
of  their  soils  before  making  selection  for  trial.  It  should  be  kept  in 
mind  that  the  Riparia  will  not  stand  dry  soils  ;  but,  if  the  soil  is  moist 
enough,  it  is  to  be  preferred  to  the  Rupestris,  which  is  slightly  more 
difficult  to  graft  and  suckers  more  freely.  If  there  is  any  tendency  to 
dry  out  in  summer  the  Rupestris,  though  harder  to  graft,  will  grow 
finely  where  the  Riparia  will  prove  a  loss. 

It  must  be  understood  that  these  vines  do  not  bear  edible  grapes  : 
they  are  merely  intended  for  roots  on  which  to  graft  the  desirable  table 
and  wine  varieties.  It  is  expected  that  recipients  will  not  graft  at  once 
the  vines  we  send,  but  will  grow  them  for  several  years  to  produce  cut- 
tings of  their  own  kinds  to  extend  the  planting  of  resistant  vineyards  as 
rapidly  as  possible.  It  is  advised  that  the  first  cuttings  from  these 
vines  be  planted  in  different  parts  of  the  vineyard,  to  ascertain  whether 
the  root  is  really  adapted  to  the  soil  and  situation. 

We  have  two  Riparia  varieties  as  rooted  vines,  and  they  should  be 
deeply  planted  and  the  soil  loosened  well  beneath  to  facilitate  the  deep 
penetration  of  the  roots.  Cuttings  of  the  three  Riparia  varieties  for  graft- 
ing with  a  view  to  obtaining  wood  for  next  season's  planting  will  also  be 
furnished.  The  Rupestris  St.  George  will  be  distributed  as  cuttings, 
which,  like  the  Riparia  cuttings,  should  be  grafted  into  any  strong  old  vine 
that  may  be  available,  so  as  to  force  a. growth  of  the  resistant  wood  for 
subsequent  rooting.  Suckers  and  weak  growth  should  be  suppressed  to 
throw  vigor  into  a  few  strong  canes  from  which  good  cuttings  can 
be  made. 

We  propose  to  divide  our.  supply  of  vines  and  cuttings  as  equally  as 
possible  between  applicants.  Those  who  desire  resistant  roots  for  both  dry 
and  moist  situations  may  have  a  share  of  both  Rupestris  and  Riparia. 
We  require  from  each  applicant  a  statement  of  the  character  of  the  soil 
and  location  of  the  vineyard  for  which  resistant  roots  are  desired.  Each 
applicant  will  send  with  his  application  25  cents  to  pay  for  packing,  and 
the  vines  will  be  sent  by  freight  or  express,  the  charges  to  be  paid  by  the 


applicant,  if  a  single  vine  of  each  kind  is  desired  for  small  scale  experi- 
ment, the  25  cents  will  pay  for  packing  and  postage.  It  is  not  expected 
that  these  vines  will  be  distributed  before  February,  but  orders  should 
be  sent  in  at  once.  The  vines  and  cuttings  will  be  thoroughly  disinfected 
before  sending  out. 

TABLE  GRAPES  FROM  PERSIA. 
Though  we  have  propagated  these  varieties  as  rapidly  as  possible, 
we  have  not  yet  been  able  to  supply  all  applicants.  They  are  grapes  of 
the  table  lands  of  Persia,  which  have  won  praise  from  all  travelers  who 
have  eaten  them.  The  vines  are  of  the  Vitis  vinifera,  but  the  fruit  has 
quite  a  distinctive  character  when  compared  with  the  varieties  chiefly 
grown  in  the  west  of  Europe.  Professor  H.  E.  Van  Deman,  ex-Pomolo- 
gist  of  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  secured,  thorough  the  kindly  aid 
of  Hon.  E.  Spencer  Pratt,  ex-Minister  to  Teheran,  an  importation  of  the 
best  Persian  varieties.  These  vines  were  in  part  entrusted  to  this 
station.  Those  varieties  which  we  have  fruited  ripen  very  early,  about 
with  the  Sweetwater,  and  as  they  are  much  firmer  fleshed  and  tougher 
skinned  than  that  variety,  some  of  them  may  prove  of  high  value  for 
early  shipping.  The  berries  of  the  varieties  we  have  fruited  thus  far 
are  of  large  size,  long-oval  form,  and  good  quality. 

1.  Paykaynee  Razukee:    Bright  red,  large,  long,  few  seeds. 

2.  Dizmar:    Light  yellow,  very  sweet,  long,  tapering. 

3.  Kahllillee:    Said  to  be  the  earliest  in  Persia. 

4.  Askaree:     Widely  grown  in  Persia  and   used   both   for   table   and  drying; 

black,  resembling  Cornichon,  but  considerably  earlier. 

5.  Rish  Baba :    Also  a  leading  variety  in  the  Orient  for  table  and  drying,  and 

said  to  keep  until  spring. 

6.  Hutab  :    A  large,  sweet  grape. 

7.  Shiraz :    Named  for  one  of  the  most  important  grape  regions  of  Persia,  where 

it  is  a  leading  sort. 

8.  Alhakahee :    Red,  said  to  be  suited  for  long  keeping. 

9.  Chavooshee :    Green,  a  rare  variety  in  Persia. 

10.  White  Shahanee :    Large,  oblong,  light  color. 

11.  Black  Shahanee:     Presumably  like  the  preceding,  except  in  color. 

12.  Unnamed  Varieties:     We   have   eight  varieties  which,  in   the   importation, 

were  designated  only  by  numerals.  They  are  probably  as  desirable  as 
the  others.  After  fruiting  it  may  be  possible  to  name  them  if  good  Per- 
sian descriptions  can  be  obtained.     If  not,  they  may  be  given  local  names. 

We  will  send  one  vine  of  each  kind  at  the  rate  of  5  cents  for  each 
variety  ordered,  by  mail,  postpaid. 

DESIRABLE    EUCALYPTS. 

Although  some  parts  of  the  State,  notably  the  southern  counties, 
have  made  commendable  progress  in  distribution  of  eucalyptus  species, 
it  may  be  truly  said  that  Californians  generally  only  know  a  few  of  the 
species  which  were  distributed  through  the  nursery  trade  many  years 
ago.  At  the  University  Forestry  Station  at  Santa  Monica  a  number  of 
the  less  known  eucalypts  are  now  bearing  seed,  and  furnish  material  for 
distribution  which,  we  trust,  will  bring  trees  into  the  possession  of  those 
who  might  not  otherwise  obtain  them,  and  thus  wider  experimental  data 
of  the  desirability  and  adaptability  of  the  species  can  be  secured.  The 
following  brief  descriptive  notes  of  the  sorts  we  offer  this  year  are  pre- 
pared by  Mr.  J.  H.  Barber,  foreman  at  Santa  Monica,  from  his  own  ob- 
servation of  the  trees  under  his  charge: 

1.  E.  polyanthema.— Fine  tree  of  full  habit,  well-branched,  with  heavy  foliage. 
Leaves  elliptic-ovate  to  orbicular,  gray-green  to  soft  glaucous  blue-gray  in  color. 
Flowers  small,  white,  in  close  terminal  panicles,  much  resembling  gigantic  heads  of 
mignonette.  Bark  roughish,  brown,  persistent.  Blooms  in  January  and  February, 
very  profusely.  Very  useful  for  bees  at  that  season.  Wood  hard,  close-grained,  re- 
sembling box  ;  makes  excellent  fuel.    Fairly  rapid  grower. 

2.  E.  Stuartiana. — Branching  tree,  with  dense,  drooping  foliage.  Leaves  nar- 
row, sickle-shaped,  dull-green.  Flowers  small,  white,  in  close  clusters,  plentiful  but 
much  hidden  by  leaves.  Bark  gray-brown,  persistent  for  some  years,  then  splitting 
off  in  small  flakes.     Blooms  in  March,  April,  May. 

3.  E.  eugenioides. — Straight-stemmed  tree,  clear  of  branches  for  some  distance 


from  ground.     Close  crown.     Leaves  small,  lanceolate,  sickle-shaped.    Flowers  white, 
in  small,  close  clusters ;  April,  May,  June.     Bark  thick,  soft,  stringy,  persistent. 

4.  E.  diversicolorvar.  Colossea.—  The  "  Karri.''  Straight,  symmetrical  tree,  well- 
branched.  Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  pointed,  dark-green.  Flowers  white,  in  heavy 
clusters;  March,  April,  May,  and  again  in  November.  Bark  smooth,  gray-brown,  per- 
sistent for  some  years.     Profuse  bloomer ;  good  tree  for  bees. 

5.  E.  Lehmanni  var.  Stricta. — (E.  Lehmanni  stated  by  Von  Mueller  to  be  only  a 
variety  of  E.  cornuta).  Divides  into  several  large  branches  at  or  near  ground,  making 
a  spreading  crown.  Leaves  small,  oblong,  mucronate,  thick  in  texture,  dull-green. 
Flower  buds  very  large,  resembling  close  clusters  of  horns;  flowers  in  large  globular 
heads  of  yellow-green  filaments;  fruit  in  large,  close  spiny  clusters;  all  very  remark- 
able. Blooms,  July,  August,  September.  Valuable  as  an  ornamental  and  as  a  botani- 
cal curiosity. 

6.  E.  cornuta. — Much  larger  and  more  rapid  growing  than  E.  Lehmanni,  but  has 
something  of  same  tendency  to  divide  at  or  near  the  ground  in  many  cases.  Leaves 
lanceolate,  blunt,  dull-green.  Flower  buds,  fiowers  and  fruits  like  E.  Lehmanni,  but 
smaller,  and  the  fruit  clusters  not  so  compact.  Blooms  about  same  time  as  last- 
named.    Has  been  used  successfully  as  a  roadside  tree  near  Santa  Monica. 

7.  E.  citriodora. — (Stated  by  Von  Mueller  to  be  only  a  variety  of  E.  maculata). 
Rather  slender,  straight-stemmed  tree,  with  long,  slender,  drooping  branchlets  and 
very  long,  narrow,  falcate,  bright-green  leaves.  Flowers  creamy-white;  May,  June, 
July.  Bark,  outer  layer  deciduous,  leaving  inner  smooth  bark,  beautifully  colored  in 
pale-grey  and"  lavender  tints.  Leaves  exquisitely  lemon-scented.  A  beautiful  and 
very  desirable  ornamental  species. 

8.  E.  roJmsta. — Handsome,  symmetrically-branching  tree.  Leaves  large,  ovate- 
lanceolate,  pointed,  dark-green,  coriaceous.  Branchlets  dull-crimson.  Flowers  large, 
white,  in  January  and  February.  Bark  rough,  dark-brown,  persistent.  Profuse 
bloomer  and  especially  valuable  for  bees.  Fine  avenue  tree,  and  being  planted  to 
some  extent  for  this  purpose  in  southern  California. 

9.  E.  amygdalina  var.  angustifolia. — Very  graceful  tree,  with  spreading  branches, 
drooping  branchlets  and  very  narrow  almond-like  leaves.  Flowers  small,  white,  in 
dense  clusters ;  December.  Outer  layer  of  bark  deciduous  in  patches,  giving  trunk  a 
piebald  appearance.     Free  bloomer ;  good  for  bees. 

10.  E.  alpina. — Shrubby  Alpine  species,  of  spreading  habit,  with  rather  close 
foliage.  Leaves  ovate,  obtuse,  mucronate,  dull-green,  thick  in  texture.  Flowers 
white,  in  small,  close  axillary  clusters,  not  conspicuous.  Buds  dark  red-brown, 
warty;  curious. 

11.  E.  obcordata. — Small  shrubby  species.  Leaves  broadly  obovate,  dull-green, 
thick  in  texture.  Flowers  dull-reddish,  not  conspicuous.  Flower  stalks  broad,  flat- 
tened, recurved ;   rather  remarkable. 

12.  E.  ficifolia. — The  well  known  scarlet  or  crimson-flowered  eucalypt.  Regular, 
symmetrical  habit ;  rather  pyramidal  form.  Leaves  large,  ovate-lanceolate,  pointed, 
dark-green,  coriaceous.  Flowers  large,  brilliant  red  (varying  from  crimson  to  scarlet 
on  different  trees)  in  large  terminal  clusters;  August,  September.  Seed  capsules 
large,  ovoid,  in  heavy  clusters;  remarkable.     Fine  ornamental  tree. 

13.  E.  calophylla. — Closely  related  to  E.  ficifolia.  Very  similar  in  habit  and 
form,  but  somewhat  faster  in  growth.  Leaves  much  like  last  named.  Flowers  large, 
white,  in  large  clusters ;  very  conspicuous.  Seed  capsules  large,  urn-shaped ;  re- 
markable.    Fine  ornamental. 

Seed  in  small  packets,  2  cents  for  each  variety  ordered,  postpaid. 
Use  the  numbers  in  ordering. 

SILK  COTTON  TREE  (Enodendron  anfructuosum). 

The  free  use  in  upholstery  of  an  imported  lustrous  light  and  elastic 
fiber  known  as  "  silk  cotton  "  creates  interest  in  the  tree  which  produces 
it,  and  the  possibility  of  its  growth  in  California.  As  a  native  of  the 
south  of  India,  and  therefore  tropical  in  its  requirements,  the  tree  is 
likely  to  succeed  only  in  the  few  practically  frostless  localities  in  Cali- 
fornia, if  at  all.  However,  as  the  tree  is  of  such  wide  fame,  we  desire  to 
demonstrate  by  actual  trial  its  local  status.  We  have  received  seed  sev- 
eral times  by  gift,  but  it  had  passed  the  germinating  condition,  except  a 
sample  donated  in  1896,  which  readily  yielded  strong  plants  under  hot- 
bed treatment. 

The  silk  cotton  trees  are  described  as  remarkable  for  stature  and 
splendid  bloom,  and  for  their  capsules,  which  on  bursting  display  a  floc- 
culent  substance  more  silky  than  cotton,  which  from  its  shortness  of 
staple  and  elasticity  cannot  be  spun  by  cotton-spinning  machinery. 
These  qualities,  however,  adapt  it  finely  for  stuffing  pillows,  cushions, 


coverlets,  etc.,  for  which  it  is  largely  used.  The  flowers  are  large,  red 
and  very  showy  ;  the  leaves  digitate  ;  the  stem  is  covered  with  prickly 
tubercles  ;  the  wood  is  light  and  porous  ;  the  bark  has  medicinal  prop- 
erties and  yields  a  pure  gum. 

We  have  but  a  few  plants  which  have  been  grown  in  small  pots,  and 
will  send  one  to  each  applicant  for  25  cents,  postpaid.  We  trust  that 
only  those  residing  in  strictly  thermal  situations  will  apply  for  them. 
The  plants  will  not  be  mailed  until  after  February  15th. 

CAROB   (Ceratonia   siliqua). 

This  handsome  and  useful  tree  is  the  true  "  Algaroba  "  or  St. 
John's  bread  of  the  Mediterranean  region,  which  has  been  heretofore 
recommended  for  cultivation  on  dry  or  otherwise  unavailable  hillsides,  as 
well  as  in  richer  and  moister  lands,  for  the  production  of  an  excellent 
feed  for  cows  or  for  swine.  The  Carob  is  about  as  hardy  as  the  orange, 
but  owing  to  its  drought-resisting  qualities  when  once  established,  it  is 
destined  to  have  a  much  wider  range  than  that  tree.  It  has  been  grown 
to  a  limited  extent  in  this  State  for  the  last  twenty  years,  and  it  de- 
serves much  wider  trial.  Plants  grown  from  seed  on  the  estate  of  James 
Shinn  at  Niles,  Alameda  county,  have  borne  fruit  for  several  years  and 
a  supply  has  been  donated  for  distribution.  We  will  send  to  each  appli- 
cant several  pods,  which  are  to  be  broken  up  and  the  seed  taken  out. 
The  seed  should  be  soaked  over  night  and  planted  in  a  box  of  sandy  soil 
placed  in  a  warm  place  and  kept  moist.  Cover  the  seed  about  half  an 
inch.     We  send  several  pods  for  5  cents,  postpaid. 

PLANTS  FOR  GREEN-MANURING. 

In  the  report  of  this  station  for  1894-5  quite  a  full  discussion  is  given 
of  green-manuring  in  California.  The  interest  in  the  subject  is  keen  and 
we  are  now  receiving  reports  from  those  who  experimented  with  the 
plants  of  which  we  distributed  seed  last  year.  We  desire  to  hear  from 
many  more  correspondents  in  this  line.  Reports  thus  far  indicate  that 
in  some  localities  the  winter  growth  of  the  plants  in  the  coast  valleys  is 
quite  satisfactory  ;  from  interior  situations  reports  are  conflicting.  We 
desire  further  trial  this  winter. 

Snail  Clover  (Medicago  turbinata). — This  plant  is  a  native  of  south- 
western Spain  and  has  shown  its  value  as  a  winter  forage  plant  in  this 
State.  It  is  closely  related  to  the  "  burr  clover,"  but  it  has  a  larger 
seed-pod,  which  is  smooth  and  more  abundantly  produced,  and  therefore 
the  plant  is  superior  as  a  dry  forage  plant  for  stock.  The  green  growth 
of  the  snail  clover  resembles  that  of  burr  clover,  but  with  us  it  is  much 
ranker.  It  starts  from  the  seed  as  soon  as  the  earth  is  moistened  by  the 
fall  rains,  and  makes  a  strong  growth  during  the  winter  and  spring, 
drying  up  as  soon  as  its  vast  crop  of  seed-pods  ripens  early  in  the  sum- 
mer. By  sowing  upon  orchard  ground  and  plowed  as  early  as  practicable 
in  the  fall,  it  should  make  a  dense  mat  of  foliage  by  the  time  of  the  spring 
plowing.  It  seeds  so  freely  that,  by  allowing  a  small  area  to  go  unplowed 
in  the  spring,  seed  enough  can  be  secured  for  covering  a  considerable 
area  of  orchard.  Soak  the  pods  and  sow  rather  thinly  broadcast  as 
early  as  the  ground  can  be  put  into  shape,  and  cover  by  raking  or  har- 
rowing.    Seed  in  12-ounce  parcels,  10  cents  each  by  mail. 

Square  Pod  Pea  (TetragonoJobus). — From  our  observation  of  the 
growth  of  the  plant  another  season,  we  are  less  confident  of  its  value  for 
the  purpose  contemplated.  Its  roots,  by  their  thick  incrustation  of 
tubercles,  show  that  the  plant  is  very  active  in  its  assimilation  of  atmos- 
pheric nitrogen,  but  more  observation  is  needed  on  its  winter  growth  to 
determine  its  availability  for  green-manuring  in  different  portions  of  the 
State.  It  is  noticeably  less  hardy  than  snail  clover  and  more  sensitive 
to  drought. 

We  have  two  species  of  tei/ragonolobus :   one  is   red-flowered   with 


6 

erect  stems  (purpureas),  the  other  is  yellow-flowered  with  prostrate 
stems  {siliquosus).  With  us  in  Berkeley  the  purpureus  shows  the  more 
uniform  and  desirable  growth,  but  we  desire  to  have  observation  made 
upon  the  two  species  side  by  side  in  other  parts  of  the  State.  The  seed 
should  be  sown  thinly  broadcast  as  early  as  possible  on  newly  turned 
ground  and  lightly  raked  in.  The  experiment  should  be  made  in  an  en- 
closed place,  so  that  the  plants  will  be  safe  from  intrusion  and  handy  for 
observation.  We  send  seed  at  5  cents  per  packet  of  -each  variety,  by 
mail,  postpaid. 

DRY    LAND    GRASSES. 

The  grasses  which  years  of  trial  have  shown  to  be  best  for  moder- 
ately dry  lands  in  California,  especially  the  uplands  of  the  coast  region, 
are  "  Australian  Rye  Grass  "  (Lolium perenne),  "  Orchard  Grass  "  (Dac- 
tylis  glomvrata),  "Red  Top"  (Agrostis  vulgaris),  and  "Meadow  Soft 
Grass,"  locally  called  "  Mesquite  "  (Holcus  lanatus).  All  these  can  be 
purchased  at  the  seed  stores,  and  for  this  reason  we  do  not  distribute 
them.  In  addition  to  the  foregoing  we  offer  the  following  list,  including 
grasses  of  our  own  introduction,  which  are  proving  valuable  where  the 
heat  and  aridity  are  not  too  great.  The  seeds  should  be  sown  in  places 
where  their  growth  can  be  conveniently  watched,  so  that  each  grower 
can  determine  for  himself  which  ones  should  be  largely  sown  the  follow- 
ing year.  By  collecting  seed  from  a  small  plot  a  large  area  can  soon 
be  secured  : 

1.  Tall  Oat  grass  (Arrhenatherum  avenaeeum). 

2.  Awnless  Brome  grass  (Bromus  in&rmis). 

3.  Schrader's  Brome  grass  (Bromus  unioloides). 

4.  Japanese  Wheat  grass  (Agropyrum  japonieurn). 

5.  Many-flowered  Millet  grass  (Milium  rnuUijlonim). 

6.  Hairy-flowered  Paspalum  (Paspalum  dilatatuin). 

7.  Texas  Blue  grass  (Poa  a/mchnifera). 

Of  any  of  the  first  six  named,  we  will  send  seed  at  5  cents  each 
per  package. 

No.  7  grows  best  from  the  roots,  of  which  we  send  a  package  for 
10  cents. 

FORAGE  PLANTS  FOR  ALKALI  SOILS. 

Australian  Salt  Bush  (Atriplex  semibaccatum). — The  value  of  this 
plant  has  been  demonstrated  beyond  question  for  lands  too  alkaline  for 
the  growth  of  ordinary  forage  plants.  Our  publications  concerning  it, 
which  will  be  sent  free  to  any  applicant,  afford  full  information  as  to  its 
culture  and  growth.  The  seed  is  now  in  the  market  and  can  be  supplied 
by  any  California  seeduman.  We  still,  however,  have  an  overwhelming 
demand  for  small  trial  packages  and  therefore  continue  the  distribution 
for  another  year.  Plants  may  be  grown  by  sowing  the  seed  in  boxes  or 
garden  bed,  covering  very  lightly,  and  planting  out  the  seedlings  several 
feet  apart,  when  a  few  inches  high,  on  alkali  spots.  This  is  the  surest 
way  to  get  the  plant  established,  although  if  the  seed  be  scattered  on 
the  surface  of  the  alkali  soil  before  a  rain  it  germinates  readily  when  the 
heat  is  adequate.  When  the  plant  once  gets  a  hold  on  the  soil  it  covers 
the  ground  very  thickly  from  self-sown  seeds,  which  are  produced  in 
abundance.     We  send  seed  at  5  cents  per  packet,  postpaid. 

Modiola  (Modiola  decumbens). — This  plant,  which  is  a  native  of  Chile, 
has  been  observed  growing  freely  on  alkali  lands  in  Kern  county;  sheep 
and  cows  eat  it  in  preference  to  alfalfa,  and  improve  in  flow  of  milk.  It  is 
almost  as  rich  in  flesh-forming  ingredients  as  alfalfa  ;  in  this  respect  it 
is  superior  to  the  salt  bushes.  The  plant  may  be  valuable  on  dry  and 
waste  places,  even  when  very  alkaline  ;  but  it  must  be  introduced  with  cau- 
tion, because  it  has  a  habit  of  rooting  from  its  prostrate  stems,  and 
therefore  will  be  very  difficult  to  eradicate.  In  this  respect  it  is  very 
different  from  the  salt  bushes.     To  those  who  desire  to  try  the  modiola 


in  places  which  are  waste  and  remote  from  cultivated  lands  we  will  send 
small  packets  of  seed  at  2  cents  each. 

CANAIGRE    {Rume:r  hymenosepalus). 

Although  large  plantations  of  this  tannin-yielding  root  have  been 
made,  and  the  seed  and  roots  are  handled  by  the  trade  for  those  who 
want  them  in  considerable  quantities,  we  receive  so  many  requests  from 
those  who  desire  to  test  the  plant  on  a  small  scale  in  different  localities 
that  we  continue  the  distribution  another  year.  Bulletin  105  and  Report 
1894-5  of  this  Station  treat  of  this  plant  and  its  culture  in  detail,  and 
copies  will  be  mailed  to  all  applicants.  The  plant  is  commonly  grown 
from  cuttings  of  the  small  roots,  but  grows  readily  from  seed  which  is 
scattered  when  the  ground  is  moist,  and  slightly  covered.  We  send  seed 
for  5  cents  per  packet,  or  roots  for  25  cents  per  package,  postpaid. 

GREEN  FEED  FOR  POULTRY  AND  STOCK. 
Jersey  Kale. — Reports  from  those  who  have  grown  this  plant  from 
our  seed  are  so  emphatic  in  praise  of  it  as  a  summer  and  fall  green  feed 
for  poultry,  that  we  desire  to  bring  it  to  the  attention  of  all.  It  requires 
moist  land,  but  where  even  a  small  area  of  ground  can  be  irrigated  from 
a  well  or  other  small  water  supply,  the  weight  of  green  growth  is  proba 
bly  greater  than  cau  be  secured  with  any  other  plant  with  the  same 
amount  of  water.  It  withstands  both  cold  and  heat  better  than  any 
other  cultivated  member  of  the  cabbage  family,  and  the  old  stems  bear 
good  crops  of  leaves  for  several  years  where  the  ground  does  not  freeze 
in  winter.  The  leaves  are  often  28  inches  in  length  and  18  inches  in 
breadth,  and  when  plucked  from  the  stem  are  quickly  replaced.  By 
saving  seed  the  grower  can  soon  secure  a  very  large  area,  if  found  suited 
to  his  uses.  Plants  should  be  grown  and  set  out  like  cabbages.  Seed,  3 
cents  per  packet,  postpaid. 

Jerusalem  Artichokes  (ffelianthus  tuberosus). — This  old  plant  is  stillin 
such  request  by  California  growers  that  we  offer  tubers  from  our  garden 
to  others  who  may  desire  to  experiment  with  it.  Planting  and 
cultivation  should  be  the  same  as  with  potatoes,  except  that  a  single 
tuber  is  enough  to  a  hill.  We  have  two  varieties— White  French  and  Red 
Brazilian.  The  former  is  highly  esteemed  by  some  as  a  table  vegetable, 
either  boiled  or  used  in  soups  or  salads.  The  red  variety  is  perhaps 
superior  for  stock  purposes.  We  can  furnish  both  sorts  if  desired  at  10 
cents  per  package  of  each,  by  mail. 

ALGERIAN  WHEATS. 
We  have  grown  during  the  last  year  an  interesting  collection  of 
Algerian  wheats  from  seed  received  from  Jardin  Botanique, 'Mustafa, 
Algiers.  These  wheats  are  all  of  the  Mediterranean  type — very  tall  and 
strong,  bearded  wheats  with  a  large,  hard,  glutinous,  and  therefore 
dark-colored,  kernel.  They  will  not  yield  acceptable  milling  wheat  of 
the  California  type,  but  for  feeding  uses  and  for  resistance  to  Hessian 
fly  and  rust  they  are  worthy  of  local  trial.     We  offer  the  following: 

1.--  Bellionni.  9.  — Hamra. 

2.— Kahla.  10.— Guemgormer  Rakhma. 

3.— Bli  pelissia  Hemeey.  11.— Bidi. 

4.— Aieha  Abudda.  12.--B.  Mohamed  de  Bochia. 

5.—  Mawe.  13.— Neb-el-Bel.  ;■-/""• 

6.— Boyhar.  14.— Ouchda  mawe. 

7.— B.  Zedormi.  15.—  Hedeba. 

8.— Zag-Ghorab.  16.— Ci  Adjini. 

We  will  send  seed  of   as  many  kinds  as  the  applicant  may  desire  at 
15  cents  for  1  pound  of  each  kind  selected,  postpaid. 

FOR  THE  GARDEN. 
Roselle  (Hibiscus  subdariffa). — This  interesting  plant,  resembling  in 
its  growth  okra  or  gumbo,  is  a  native  of  tropical  Asia  and   Africa,   and 
has  been  widely  distributed  through,  semi-tropical  countries,  where  ].t 


8 

has  been  found  to  possess  considerable  resistance  to  drought  and  to  yield 
very  acceptable  food  products.  The  stems  also  contain  a  silky  fiber  of 
which  some  use  is  made  in  India.  For  the  seed  we  are  indebted  to  Mr. 
A.  Neustadt  of  San  Francisco,  who  imported  it  from  Queensland.  The 
plant  made  very  satisfactory  growth  at  our  southern  California  Station, 
near  Pomona,  and  Mr.  J.  W.  Mills,  foreman,  furnishes  the  following  note 
of  its  local  growth  and  uses  : 

The  plant  is  very  ornamental,  the  dark  red  stems  and  pods  showing  through  the 
rather  scant  dark  green  foliage.  The  flowers  are  of  a  yellowish  white  with  a  dark 
red  center,  two  inches  across  and  lasting  only  an  hour  or  "so  during  fair  weather.  The 
juice  extracted  from  the  fleshy  calyces  or  husks  is  used  with  water  to  make  an  acidu- 
lous cooling  drink,  but  is  of  most  value  in  jelly-making.  The  mucilaginous  properties 
of  the  juice  render  the  "setting"  of  the  jelly  certain  with  a  reasonable  amount  of 
cooking.  The  dark  cherry  color  of  the  jelly  and  the  sprightly  acid  make  it  nearly  if 
not  equal  to  currant  jelly.  The  color  of  the  husk  is  very  much  more  vivid  when  the 
pod  is  green,  and  in  this  condition  the  pod  and  all  can  be  cooked  and  the  juice  strained. 
If,  however,  it  is  desired  to  save  the  seed,  the  pod  must  be  allowed  to  ripen  and  the 
husks  can  then  be  used  for  jelly-making.  The  jelly  thus  made  has  become  very  popu- 
lar in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Station  this  year.  People  have  helped  us  to  gather  the 
seed-pods  for  the  chance  of  getting  the  husks,  and  those  who  took  a  sample  for  trial 
came  afterward  to  get  a  supply.  If  the  husk  is  dried  it  does  not  lose  its  acidity  or 
color.  This  allows  it  to  be  shipped  in  a  condensed  form  and  it  Can  afterward  be  made 
into  jelly.  Irrigated  plants  produce  a  more  highly  colored  fruit,  but  come  into  bear- 
ing later.  Unirrigated  plants  put  their  strength  into  fruit,  but  the  irrigated  plants 
start  lateral  branches  which  ultimately  produce  several  pods,  while  the  unirrigated 
plants  have  but  one  pod.  The  above  is  found  to  be  the  case  at  this  Station,  where  the 
soil  is  light  and  sandy  and  water  is  40  feet  from  the  surface. 

As  the  plant  will  endure  quite  heated  and  arid  situations  it  promises 
to  be  of  much  value  for  jelly-making  where  currants  do  not  thrive.  The 
plant  should  be  given  ordinary  garden  culture,  sowing  the  seed  when 
danger  of  frost  is  over.  Enough  of  the  pods  should  be  allowed  to  ripen 
to  yield  seed  for  the  following  year.     Seed  in  packets  3  cents,  postpaid. 

Edible  Pod  Pea. — For  this  excellent  pea  we  are  indebted  to  Mr. 
Edward  Lester  of  Pasadena,  who  introduced  it  from  England,  where  he 
had  learned  its  value.  It  is  a  delicious  vegetable  cooked  in  the  pod, 
which  is  entirely  stringless.  The  plant  is  sturdy  and  grows  about  five 
feet  in  height,  bearing  a  purple  bloom.  The  pod  is  about  four  inches  in 
length,  much  curled  and  semi-transparent.  From  seed  sown  in  Berkeley 
February  25th  the  pods  were  ready  for  table  use  on  May  14th.  3  cents 
per  packet,  postpaid. 

Washington  Market  Corn. — Seed  of  this  variety  was  sent  us  by  the 
United  States  Department  of  Agriculture.  In  vigor  of  growth,  number 
of  ears  to  the  stalk,  length  and  shapliness  of  the  ears,  size  and  tender- 
ness of  the  kernel,  it  is  the  best  we  have  ever  grown  under  Berkeley 
conditions.  We  desire  to  have  it  tried  by  all  growers  of  sweet  corn,  to 
determine  quality  and  season  as  compared  with  present  popular  varie- 
ties.    5  cents  per  packet,  postpaid. 

CIGAR  TOBACCO  VARIETIES. 
The  interest  in  local  tobacco  experiments   continues   active.      We 
offer  the  following  cigar  varieties  : 
1.  Sumatra.  6.  Comstock  Spanish.  10.  Persian. 

3.  Zummer's  Spanish.  7.  Little  Dutch.  11.  San  Juan  de  los  Remedios. 
8.  Connecticut  Seed  Leaf.     8.  Vuelta  de  Abajo.  13.  Partidas.  a 

4.  Harby  (Turkish).  0.  Persian- Rose.  13.  Pennsylvania  Seed  LJJucm' 

5.  Imported  Havana.  0 

The  seed  will  be  furnished  in  small  packets  at  2  cents  for  each  vari- 
ety ordered.     Use  the  numbers  in  ordering. 


Application  for  seeds  and  plants  should  be  made  as  soon  as  this  an- 
nouncement is  received.  We  are  unable  to  continue  distribution  through- 
out the  year.  Address,  E.  J.  WICKSON, 

Berkeley,  November,  1896.  Berkeley,  Cal. 

J,  F.  Ham,oha\,  220 Market  St.,  San  Francisco,  Cal, 


